PI.17.01
Improved accountability – the role of perpetrator intervention systems
June 2020
This project comprised ten research studies that examined Australian perpetrator intervention systems.
The studies focused on the most common pathways of identification, assessment and intervention with perpetrators and examined how the engagement and retention of perpetrators within systems can be enhanced.
Together, the studies provide a comprehensive analysis of integrated systems and interventions for perpetrators, and a mapping of current domestic and family violence responses to perpetrators.
Key findings include:
- Accountability can take different forms, which may not align and may even conflict with each other.
- There is much opportunity for human services agencies to play a role in identifying and responding to perpetrators.
- Men’s behaviour change programs (MBCPs) play a key role in supporting men to reduce their use of violence. High expectations are placed upon these programs, while their role in monitoring risk and providing partner support is often undervalued.
- There are limited and inconsistent consequences for men who disengage from programs or otherwise breach orders.
Key recommendations include:
- Broaden the conception of perpetrator intervention systems to include a wide range of human services agencies. This will increase capacity across systems to identify perpetrators and to manage risk earlier.
- Assess suitability for referral to MBCPs before mandating attendance.
- Trial a national minimum data set for MBCPs. This will allow the creation of a national database to support an evidence-informed approach to future program development.
- Consider other forms of perpetrator intervention beyond group-based MBCPs.
Researchers
Project Lead
Professor Donna Chung, Curtin University
Research expertise
Mr Damian Green, Curtin University
A/Professor Reinie Cordier, Curtin University
Ms Elena Campbell, RMIT
A/Professor Jan Breckenridge, UNSW
Dr Michael Salter, University of Western Sydney
A/Professor Therese Jefferson, Curtin University
A/Professor Siobhan Austin, Curtin University
Professor Patrick O’Leary, Griffith University
Practitioner expertise
Mr Rodney Vlais
Research partners
Research partners from across a number of jurisdictions and including specialist FDV services for perpetrators and victims, courts, health and human service agencies from the government and not for profit sectors.
Downloads
Research summary
Improving accountability: The role of perpetrator intervention systems. Key findings and future directions
Downloadsee also
MEDIA RELEASE
New research to help hold perpetrators of domestic and family violence accountable
View morePresentations
Strengthening accountability across perpetrator intervention systems
This webinar unpacks some of the findings of the ANROWS research project ‘Improved accountability: The role of perpetrator intervention systems’. The panel discuss:
- differences in the definitions of accountability and how this is reflected in policy and practice
- how perpetrator interventions systems can be coordinated across the various services to prevent and respond to men who use violence
- strengths and challenges of the current perpetrator intervention systems
- future directions for policy and service change.
Presenters:
- Professor Donna Chung, Curtin University
- Dr Karen Upton-Davis, Curtin University
- Elena Campbell, RMIT University
- Rodney Vlais, Consultant
Facilitated by: Michele Robinson, ANROWS
Budget
$441,513
Funded by Commonwealth Department of Social Services.
find out more
Contact ANROWS
PO Box Q389, Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230
Email: enquiries@anrows.org.au